UAS Intern

About Us

Rangair is an innovative startup transforming public safety through an advanced airborne broadband network. Our drone-based service unifies teams with unwavering high-performance connectivity in remote wilderness areas. We use state of the art Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Radio Frequency (RF) technologies to connect our users to the Internet wherever they go. Our initial target users are wildland firefighters, and we plan to expand into other markets over time. When not responding to disasters, we also plan to offer UAS services to commercial clients, such as for utility line inspections.

We are currently in the R&D and product development phase, planning to launch production services this fall.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly-motivated, smart, and enthusiastic Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) Intern to join our team. In this role you will work closely with our founders to develop, test, and optimize our Airborne Broadband system. The ideal candidate will have some prior experience (hobby or professional) with drones/UAS, including flight controller software, GCS software, and radio components.

Location: Hybrid (90%+ on-site) in the Beaverton/Hillsboro, OR area, with regular multi-day trips to other locations in Oregon and potentially other US states as needed for testing, demos, and operational deployments.

Type: Part-time to start with likely opportunity to move to a full-time role in the future.

Key Responsibilities

• UAV Component Design, Fabrication, and Assembly: Assist in the design, fabrication, and assembly of UAV components such as payload support structures, antenna mounts, avionics, and wiring.
• Flight Controller Programming and Tuning: Update firmware and settings, and participate in troubleshooting and performance tuning for VTOL and horizontal flight modes.
• UAS Testing, Tuning, and Optimization: Assist in the testing and tuning of our UAS, including ground control systems (GCS), telemetry systems, and payload control systems.
• RF Payload Integration: Help integrate custom Wi-Fi and microwave backhaul payloads, ensuring reliable and robust RF communication.
• Camera Payload Integration: Assist with the installation and integration of EO and IR camera payloads, displays, and GIS integration.
• Procedure Creation and Documentation: Contribute to the development and documentation of UAS operating, maintenance, emergency, and repair procedures.
• Part 107 Remote Pilot (Optional): Opportunity to obtain and exercise Part 107 Remote Pilot certification to support flight operations if desired.
• Network System Development and Testing: Support the development and testing of the IP network that we use to deliver service to customers.

Qualifications:

• Experience with UAVs / drones, including ground control stations (GCS) and RF communications
• Strong interest in UAV technology and a desire to learn and grow in the field
• Ongoing or prior education in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field is a plus but not required
• Familiarity with engineering principles and concepts
• Proficiency in CAD software, 3D printing, programming (e.g., Python, C++), and hands-on fabrication techniques is desired but not required.
• Smart, Creative, and Analytical
• Resourceful and adaptable, thriving in the uncertainty and multiple-hats environment of an early-stage startup
• Outstanding integrity and attention to detail
• Team-player attitude with strong written and verbal English communication skills.
• US citizen or green-card holder

In this role you’ll be a key member of our initial team, contributing to the R&D efforts of our initial service. You’ll get to learn from our founders and other team members, while also helping craft our UAS platform.

This is initially a part-time position focused on work over the summer, but with likely future opportunity to grow into a full-time role (assuming the business grows). As an early-stage startup our benefits will initially be limited to those required by Oregon law. However we plan to add additional benefits for full-time employees later in the year, which could become applicable if you move into a full-time role.

Rangair is an equal opportunity employer.